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The Twins secured a playoff berth Saturday night in Chicago. This final week of baseball will determine how the playoff roster shakes out. Let’s take a look at what it could be as of right now.
Starting pitchers (6):
- Jose Berrios, R
- Kenta Maeda, R
- Michael Pineda, R
- Rich Hill, L
- Randy Dobnak, R
- Jake Odorizzi, R
Relief pitchers (8)
- Taylor Rogers, L
- Tyler Duffey, R
- Trevor May, R
- Sergio Romo, R
- Tyler Clippard, R
- Matt Wisler, R
- Cody Stashak, R
- Jorge Alcala, R
Catcher (3)
- Mitch Garver, R/R
- Alex Avila, L/R
- Ryan Jeffers, R/R
Infielders (5)
- Miguel Sano, R/R
- Jorge Polanco, S/R
- Josh Donaldson, R/R
- Luis Arraez, L/R
- Ehire Adrianza, S/R
Outfielders (5)
- Eddie Rosario
- Byron Buxton
- Max Kepler
- Jake Cave
- Marwin Gonzalez
Designated Hitter (1)
- Nelson Cruz
Is the roster set in stone?
No, of course not. Why would you ask that? Weirdo.
The Twins will have to determine whether they want to carry a third catcher (Jeffers) or a fifteenth pitcher (Thielbar). They will also have to determine, if they do have 14 pitchers, whether the final spot will go to Thielbar or Alcala.
They will also have to determine who the third starter will be. Maeda and Berrios will be the first two, we just don’t know in what order. Will Pineda pitch third? Maybe Rich Hill? Is Odorizzi healthy enough? Hopefully the Twins will have a solid answer when the season ends.
The key for the Twins will be to stay healthy. They finally have all their core players, including Byron Buxton, ready to go for the playoffs. If they all stay healthy then the Twins might even win a playoff game.
Do you have any playoff roster thoughts? Comment below and let me know!